Indian Railways is expected to complete its first dedicated high-speed test track for trains by the end of the 2025–26 financial year. The facility is being developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in Rajasthan at an estimated cost of Rs 967 crore.
The test track is being constructed between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Nawa region of the Jodhpur Division, located around 70 km from Jaipur. Falling under the administrative control of North Western Railway (NWR), the corridor has been designed to support train speeds of up to 220 kmph, enabling high-speed trials in a controlled environment.
Dedicated corridor to enable independent rolling stock trials
Speaking to Indianexpress.com, Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Western Railway, said, “Indian Railways is constructing the country’s first RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation) dedicated test track for comprehensive testing of rolling stock. This 64-kilometer track is being built between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Jodhpur division of North Western Railway.
The CPRO further told Indianexpress.com, “currently, approximately 58 kilometers of the project have been completed. The entire project is targeted for completion by March 2026,”.
Once operational, the facility is expected to play a key role in improving safety standards and speeding up approvals for new rolling stock and technologies.
Rail infrastructure expansion continues across Rajasthan
Alongside the high-speed test track, Indian Railways is also pushing ahead with capacity expansion projects in Rajasthan. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the doubling of the 25-km Umra–Debari railway section at an estimated cost of Rs 492 crore.
The project is aimed at easing congestion on the route and improving rail connectivity to Udaipur, a major tourist destination. Once completed, the upgraded section is expected to allow faster train movement and strengthen links with key cities such as Ahmedabad and Jaipur, supporting both passenger and freight traffic.